Holiday Movie Guide:
The December Movies to Check Out (Part 2/2)

November 27, 2009 01:17:08 GMT

In part II of
the 2009 holiday movie guide, AceShowbiz presents a varied compilation of
December films built for those seeking entertainment and for indie movie
lovers.

Continuing the 2009 holiday movies list, here AceShowbiz
presents the second part of the two-part holiday movie guide. Similar to
Part I, it offers
two categories of movies. This time around, the remaining feature films
coming out in December 2009 are divided into "Pure Entertainment" and
"Limited Releases".

The majority of the films compiled in the "Pure Entertainment" can be
enjoyed with the family. In fact, some of them are designed for kids to
enjoy. The "Limited Releases", in the meantime, lists charming movies
which will be screened in limited theaters across the U.S. this holiday
season. Among Part II's selection are side-splitting "It's
Complicated" and heart-touching "Hachiko: A Dog's Story".

PURE ENTERTAINMENT

"The Princess and the Frog"

Release Date: December 11

Been missing the old-fashioned, hand-drawn animation? Walt Disney Pictures
will delight you this holiday season with "The Princess and the Frog".
But, that's not the only thing this brand new animation from the mouse
house has in stores for movie lovers. It offers the Grimm brothers'
classic tale "The Frog Prince" like none before by twisting the essential
kissing part. In this movie, instead of turning the frog back into his
prince form, the kiss transforms the girl into a frog as well, forcing the
two to find a mean to break the spell together. A sprinkle of '20s Jazz
music here and there definitely adds to the fun of watching this movie
with the whole family.

"It's Complicated"

Release Date: December 25

"It's Complicated" is nothing but a side-splitting romcom. The movie
turns a plain love triangle between Jane and two men into one ticklish
mess considering that one of them is her already-remarried ex-husband
Jake. Many of the scenes when Jake tries to win Jane back will inflict one
chuckle after another. Adding spices to the story are three Hollywood
veterans, Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Two of the
latest are indeed known for their comedic side. To sum up how fun this
movie can be: only Hollywood can turn a messy love triangle into a roaring
hilarity.

LIMITED RELEASES

"Agora"

Release Date: December 18

A period piece that takes one back to ancient Egypt in the time of
religious intolerance. That's well described "Agora". Hailed by
Variety as "a visually imposing, high-minded epic", this Alejandro
Amenabar-directed movie centers around female philosopher Hypatia as she
fights to save the wisdom of the Ancient World when violent religious
upheaval in the streets of Alexandria spills over into the city's famous
library. While Amenabar is both saluted and criticized for his work here,
Rachel Weisz receives nothing but praise for her portrayal of Hypatia.
The Hollywood Reporter called her performance as an "unfaltering" one.

"Hachiko: A Dog's Story"

Release Date: December 18

Whether you are a dog lover or not, "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" is the
kind of movie that will change your perspective on the man's best friend
and warm your heart. This remake of the 1987 Japanese film "Hachiko
Monogatari" picks up the true story of one faithful Japanese dog.
Abandoned as a puppy, Hachiko meets a college professor who takes him into
his care. As the bond between the two grows, he accompanies his master to
the train station everyday and returns each afternoon to greet him after
work. When his master passes away, he returns to the same spot at the
station faithfully waiting for his return. The movie reunites actor
Richard Gere and director Lasse Halstrom after their previous
collaboration in "The Hoax".

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus"

Release Date: December 25

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" is the last movie the late
Heath Ledger stars in. In fact, the young actor passed away halfway
through the production of this fantasy drama, which leads to the joining
of Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell and Jude Law to fill the vacant
role of Tony left by Ledger. It would be nice to see how all four actors
give their own personal touch to the mysterious character. As for the film
itself, Wendy Ide of The Times describes it as "mad and beautiful and
bewildering", and Olly Richards of Empire Magazine hails it to be a movie
"born out of a passion and determination that are wholly infectious".